The player is enjoying playing for his hometown team in the Premier League and national team boss Gareth Southgate is a big fan having worked with the Teessider during his time in charge of England Under-21s.

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Gibson has been tipped to win his first cap in 2017 and Karanka believes he can develop into a top international player if he continues to work hard.

“He can get to the very top, he can be there,” he said.

Ben Gibson (Image: CameraSport)

“If you look at the national team, the central defenders are (Gary) Cahilll, (John) Stones and (Phil) Jagielka - Cahill is 31, Jagielka is 34. There is (Chris) Smalling at Manchester and (Michael) Keane at Burnley - you can’t find a lot of young central defenders.

“So for sure, he can become a national team player.

“He can be a top team central defender, if he keeps doing the same things. But if he thinks he is in the international team already or playing for a top club, or thinks he is as good as people say he is, it can make a big mistake. To play in the top teams is about hard work.”